Southport Rugby Football Club has created a special Show Garden at the 2022 Southport Flower Show in its famous red, black and amber colours to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.
These pictures, by local photographer Angus Matheson, reveal how the beautiful new creation looks as thousands of visitors get ready to enjoy the return of the UK’s biggest independent flower show.
The event takes place from Thursday, 18th August 2022 until Sunday, 21st August 2022, with celebrities including Si King from the Hairy Bikers, CBeebies star Justin Fletcher, Platinum Pudding winner Jemma Melvin, Strictly Come Dancing stars Janette Manrara and husband Aljaž Škorjanec, and Great British Menu star Ellie Barrie.
Tickets are on sale here: https://bit.ly/3w4VHcr
A Southport RFC spokesperson said: “A group of dedicated members have created a fantastic showpiece garden to celebrate 150 years of Southport RFC and showcase our club to tens-of-thousands of visitors to the Southport Flower Show.
“Sue Astwood was first engaged with the concept of having a Show Garden at the Southport Flower Show having spoken to club vice-chairman, Enda Rylands; from there, Sue approached a few members from within the club to help bring the garden to life.
“An individual involved significantly with the project has been our very own John Gillow who has designed the garden, sourced an ocean of materials and shrubs whilst heading up the team to build the garden.
“John alongside his team have dedicated a lot of time into the project. The team visited the plant nurseries on numerous occasions of our Garden Sponsor, J.A. Jones and with the advice of John selected an array of shrubs and plants in the colours of the club, Red, Black and Amber. “John was also instrumental with the idea of the giant Rugby Ball sculpture in the centre of the Garden that is set to be brought back to the club.
“The construction and maintenance of the garden is no easy task, but John had a small group of volunteers and assistance from J.A. Jones to bring the design into a reality.
“It is with thanks, John Gillow, J.A. Jones, Shane Cook, Brian Henry, Jack Cook, David Fogarty, Peter Dolan, Mark Astwood, Connor Brown, Sue Astwood, Barry Silito, John Williamson, Ann Shorrock and others who have assisted in the creation of this fantastic garden to get our 150th season underway.
“And thank you in advance to, John Gillow, Mike Dale, Louise Dale, Sue Astwood, Alan Morris, Liz Smith, Enda Rylands, Louise Palmer, Moggy Morris, Faye Dagnall, Chris Clode, Helen Duggan, Barry Silitto, Julie Cook & Peter Dolan who have all volunteered to man the Garden and our competition table over the duration of the show.
“Come and see our #SRFC150 inspired garden from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st of August.
Click HERE to book tickets for the Southport Flower Show.
“Photographs taken by Angus Matheson – Click HERE to view the full gallery.
“Thank you to J.A. Jones.”
The 2022 Southport Flower Show, sponsored by Home Bargains, takes place from Thursday, 18th August 2022 and runs until Sunday, 21st August 2022 with action-packed displays and fun activities lined up for all the family – kids under 16 go free.
For more information and to buy tickets visit www.southportflowershow.co.uk
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